Commonwealth observers say Antigua and Barbuda elections reflected ‘will of voters’
/ Our Today
administrator
The Commonwealth Observer Group on Friday (January 20) said it believed Antigua and Barbuda’s January 18 general elections reflected the will of voters.
Danny Faure, chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, said in a statement that the voting process was “calm and peaceful” despite the 67 per cent turn out of voters, which was the lowest in the last 20 years.
Faure said that, although there were only 10 female candidates in the election, he was pleased with the significant support of the electoral process by women and young people, especially those who served as polling staff and party agents.
“Their professionalism, efficiency and dedication to follow due process and to work together in transparency are commendable,” he said.
Faure also commended the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission for facilitating voting for people with disabilities and prioritising senior citizens.
He also praised the law enforcement agencies for the security arrangements during the electoral process.
However, the chair expressed that “the emphasis now needs to be put on good governance based on the framework of independence, transparency, oversight and accountability”.
He further said that there is a need to de-politicise the media landscape and appropriate actions must be taken to address the shortcomings in the accuracy and transparency of the voters’ list and the efficiency of the tallying process.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is a group formed to monitor the election process in Commonwealth nations.
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, secured the leadership of the country on Wednesday, winning nine of 17 seats in the election.
Comments